Easy Cheesecake

Cheesecake is an easy and quick desert which you can make one day ahead to save time. A great one to make with kids. Use low fat soft cheese to keep calories down. Top with your favorite fresh fruit.

Time:  20 mins hands on time + chilling time
Cost:  38p per serving*
Calories:  450 per serving*

*Based on serving 10

Easy Cheesecake: Serves 10

For the base:

• 250g digestive biscuits
• 100g butter

For the filling:

• 500g low fat soft cheese
• 300ml double cream
• 80g icing sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

For the topping:

• Around 300g fresh fruit e.g. strawberries, blueberries, kiwis etc

1. Start by making the base. Put the biscuits in a plastic food bag and crush to crumbs using a rolling pin. Melt the butter and combine with the biscuit crumbs thoroughly so they are completely coated. Tip them into the bottom of a 23cm spring form / loose-bottomed tin and press firmly down with the back of a spoon to create an even layer. (I have a cute little heart-shaped tin which I like to use!) Chill in the fridge for around half an hour while you make the filling.
2. To make the filling, place the soft cheese, icing sugar and vanilla in a bowl and mix with an electric whisk until smooth. Add the cream and continue mixing until smooth and well combined. Spoon the mixture onto the biscuit base using the back of a spoon to spread out the mixture evenly. Return the cheesecake to the fridge for another hour (or overnight) until set.
3. Just before serving, decorate the cheesecake with the fresh fruit and fruit puree if you like (see tip).

Tip:  A nice idea if you have the time is to make a fruit puree with some of the fruit to pour over your cheesecake. This is ideal with strawberries and what I have done in the photos here. Blitz 150g in a blender with a tablespoon of icing sugar.